Professionals from key Albanian law enforcement institutions, including prosecutors, investigators, border police, as well as representatives of the Customs Directorate and of the Financial Intelligence Agency took part in a series of regional trainings aimed at enhancing expertise in investigating complex money laundering cases.

The events were designed to strengthen the capacity of prosecutors, investigators and other relevant authorities to effectively conduct proactive financial investigations alongside money laundering investigations. Through expert-led presentations, practical case studies and interactive discussions, 51 participants enhanced their understanding of financial investigation techniques, deepened their ability to use financial intelligence, identify complex money laundering typologies, trace and recover illicit assets whilst developing robust financial evidence to support successful prosecutions. The trainings, delivered in co-operation with the School of Magistrates, also provided a valuable platform for the exchange of experiences and best practices, fostering greater regional co-operation in combating money laundering and related financial crimes.

Particular attention was devoted to detecting financial red flags, addressing practical challenges within the Albanian legal framework and drawing lessons from previous investigations and prosecutions. These activities promote stronger inter-institutional co-operation among law enforcement agencies, prosecutorial authorities and financial intelligence bodies, essential for the successful detection, investigation and prosecution of money laundering offences.

This initiative is part of the Council of Europe’s continued support to Albanian authorities in aligning with international standards and improving the capacity to prevent, detect and prosecute economic and financial crime.

The events were organised with the joint support of the Action against Economic Crime in Albania, implemented under the framework of the European Union/Council of Europe joint programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”, and the project Countering Money Laundering in Albania, co-financed by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe.